By the time this article is published, Veteran's Day will have come and gone. I am writing this on 11-11-2016, which just so happens to be the day I am writing about. Veteran's Day.

Veteran's Day has, to me, been overlooked. In elementary school we had recitals and shows, but I never truly grasped the concept or the meaning. Middle school was the same way. Then suddenly, in high school, the Veteran's Day programs disappeared. It was thrown to the side. Veteran's day was forgotten.

It only started to dawn on me recently how much this day actually means. Men and women have fought and died serving and protecting this country. They continue to serve and protect the people that live here, calling this place their home. The people who serve this country sacrifice so much on our behalf. The more I think about it the more I hate how much this day is ignored.

I remember this past May, when graduation started to approach. Students were being asked about their plans for the future. Some people went straight into jobs and the work force. Others, like myself, had decided to attend a college or university to expand our education before entering the work force. There was also the select group of student who had decided to enter into the Military. I'm ashamed of myself to not thank them then, when I had the chance. These are students I had spent approximately the last 7 years with, some more and some less.

To the students I went to school with, and to all the recent graduates who entered the military, and to the upcoming graduates who have the military in mind: Thank you. Thank you for seeing something in the country that you love so much that you are willing to lay down your life for it. Thank you for deciding to protect the people of this country,

To those who are currently in the Military: Thank you! You are there, now. Possibly deployed and possibly at home for a short amount of time. I know the strain is hard on your family and friends, and on you; yet you continue to sacrifice an easy life so that others can have one. Please know that I am so thankful to have the men and women like you fighting for this great country.

To those who are retired from the Military, the true Veterans: We would not have the country we have today if it wasn't for you great people. You fought in the wars and the battles that have shaped this country into what it is today. You gave your time and your service, and all of our country in indebted to you. Thank you, so much, for sacrificing yourselves for our country.

Also, I can not forget to thank those who died while in service, and the older veterans who have passed. They also played a part in the making and protecting of our country. They have literally given their all tho this country. We can not forget the men and women who have died fighting for this country.

This year, think about those around you. Think of the students who are going into the Military, or who have gone. Think of those you know who are currently in the Military. Think of those who once served in the Military. Most importantly, think of those who lost their lives in the Military, fighting for you. Do not let Veteran's Day be just another day. Please, do not forget the people who protect you every day.

Army: "This We'll Defend"
Coast Guard: "Semper Paratus" (Always Prepared)
Navy: "Non sibi sed patriae" (Not Self, but Country)
Marine Corps: "Semper Fidelis" (Always Faithful)
Air Force: "Aim High...Fly, Fight, Win"
Navy SEALs: "The only easy day was yesterday."
Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers: "So Others May Live"
National Guard of the United States: "Always Ready, Always There"
Army Rangers: "Sua Sponte" "Rangers lead the way!"
Air Force Pararescue: "That Others May Live"
Army Special Forces (Green Berets): "De Opresso Liber" (To Liberate The Oppressed; To Free From Oppression)
Air Force Combat Control: "First There"
Army National Guard: "You Can"
Army recruitment: “Army strong”
1st Marine Division: “No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy”
7th Bomb Wing: “MORS AB ALTO” (Death From Above)
1st Special Operations Wing: “Any Time, Any Place”
1st Fighter Wing: "Aut Vincere Aut Mori" (Conquer or Die)
Navy Divers: "We Dive the World Over"
2nd Battalion 9th Marines: "Hell in a Helmet"